Polymerizable compositions in non-flowable forms

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to adhesive and sealant compositions in non-flowable form. More particularly, the present invention relates to non-flowable adhesive and sealant compositions which are particularly useful in the threadlocking and sealing applications and which can be packaged in a convenient pocket-sized applicator dispenser.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/067,754, filed Mar. 1, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,144,956, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/050,709, filed Jan. 18, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,727,320, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/806,491 filed Apr. 13, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,451,927, which is the U.S. National Phase of International Patent Application No. PCT/US99/24594, filed Oct. 20, 1999, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/106,560, filed Nov. 2. 1998, the contents of all which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to adhesive and sealant compositions in non-flowable form. More particularly, the present invention relates to non-flowable adhesive and sealant compositions which are particularly useful in the threadlocking and sealing applications and which can be packaged in a convenient pocket-sized applicator dispenser.

2. Brief Description of Related Technology

Liquid adhesive compositions have long been used in sealing and threadlocking applications and have become standard part of assembly production as well as in the maintenance of machinery, tools and the like. Among the liquid adhesive compositions commonly used in these applications are anaerobic compositions. These single part compositions provide excellent threadlocking and sealant properties and remain stable until they are placed between parts where they cure in the absence of air. Moreover, these compositions remain stable for long periods of time during storage in the bottle.

In many applications, wicking of the liquid composition into tight spaces between adjoining parts is desirable. However, in many situations the ability of the liquid adhesive to migrate from parts is problematic, causing contamination of sensitive parts. Moreover, in many maintenance applications, the spillage of liquid adhesive compositions can be deleterious as well as inconvenient. One attempt to create a convenient ready-to-use threadlocking product has been the use of preapplied adhesive compositions, such as those in latex or micro-encapsulated form.

In such cases, the adhesive composition is applied to the threaded part, such as a bolt or nut, and remains in the uncured state until mated. As an example of a known preapplied adhesive composition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,497,916 discloses a continuous liquid phase adhesive composition to which is added solid wax-like particles dispersed therein. These particles may be chosen from polyethylene glycol materials having 4,000 to 20,000 molecular weight, stearic acid, acid waxes or stearic esters. The compositions disclosed in the '916 patent are formed by heating this combination of materials in slurry form and applying it, while heated, to threads. The composition then cools to obtain a non-mobile coating. This composition requires substantial preparation in order to obtain the composition and apply it on parts.

While preapplied coatings have many advantages, special processing is required to prepare and apply the adhesive coatings in advance. Such compositions are not useful on an as needed basis, such as when a immediate need for application of a curable composition is required. Moreover, to fully utilize preapplied compositions, it is necessary to stock and inventory of a variety of different sizes of threaded parts in advance. Thus, preapplied coatings do not solve the problem for many applications requiring ready-to-use compositions.

Attempts have been made to make a non-flowable anaerobic adhesive composition in the past. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,547,851 discloses anaerobic compositions which are rendered non-flowable at room temperature by uniform distribution throughout the adhesive of a network of normally solid organic substances insoluble in the adhesive. These organic substances are basically linear in nature and are typified by insoluble thermoplastic resins, such as solid paraffin hydrocarbons and normally solid fatty substances having about 10 or more carbon atoms. Efforts to date have failed in making a viable commercial product using the technology of this patent, due at least in part to the inability of the composition to maintain a non-flowable state at temperatures greater than room temperature. This has proved problematic, since warehouse temperatures often are greater than 100° F. (38° C.). Compositions made in accordance with the teachings of this patent have been limited by several technical difficulties. First, melting at elevated temperatures destroys the integrity of the composition and its ability to be applied. Furthermore, crumbling of these compositions during application or as a result of storage has been prevalent. Finally, the reductions in break torque due to the addition of the insoluble thermoplastic materials resulted in the inability to make a high strength composition. Relatively high levels of these insoluble thermoplastics were required to produce a non-flowable composition. Moreover, compositions of the '851 patent required melting of the insoluble thermoplastic materials prior to incorporation in adhesive. Heating or melting of the composition was required to get the desired effect of immobility.

The present invention seeks to overcome such disadvantages and in particular addresses many of the specific deficiencies of the '851 patent. The present invention provides a solution to creating non-flowable adhesive and sealant compositions, which can be stored at temperatures greater than about 100° F. (37° C.), such as about 120° F. (49° C.) up to about 180° F. (82° C.), without fear of loss of structural immobility through melting. Moreover, the present invention provides new polymeric matrix additives which can be added directly to the adhesive composition without melting and which do not require heating or melting of the total combination in order to obtain the desired result. Further, high strength products can be made with relatively minor amounts of the polymeric matrix additive due to the ability of the inventive compositions to be rendered non-flowable.

As previously mentioned, U.S. Pat. No. 3,547,851 discloses anaerobic compositions which have been rendered non-flowable through the inclusion of various waxes. The '851 patent, however, teaches away from using waxy materials having melting points greater than 250° F. (121° C.). Polyethylene glycol waxes, i.e., the preferred type of wax disclosed in the '851 patent, were found to melt during storage temperatures of about 130° F. (54° C.) and became brittle after extended periods of storage at normal temperatures.

Both the '851 and '916 patents discussed above require the addition of a solid material which is melted in order to be incorporated into the polymerizable monomer. Moreover, in practicing the '851 patent, an extremely large amount, e.g., 50% by weight, of polyethylene glycol was required in order to yield a composition which remained non-flowable at temperatures of about 158° F. (70° C.). Such extreme amounts of wax added to the polymerizable monomer significantly reduced the torque strength of threadlocking compositions.

In contrast, the present invention seeks to obtain non-flowability at significantly greater temperatures, e.g., up to about 180° F. (82° C.) or more, while using as little as 5% to 15%, and desirably 7 to 10%, of the polymeric matrix. This is due to the unique physical and chemical properties of the polymeric matrix additive used in the present invention. Moreover, the present invention seeks to overcome the prior art problem of softening of the compositions over time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adhesive composition which includes at least one room-temperature-flowable polymerizable compound in combination with a polymeric matrix present in an amount sufficient to render the composition non-flowable at temperatures of at least about 120° F. (49° C.). The polymerizable compound or composition may be selected from a wide group of materials including acrylics (such as anaerobics), epoxies, polyurethanes, silicones, olefinic compounds and combinations thereof. The polymerization compositions may be cured by any suitable mechanism. For example, the compositions, which are curable by a free radical mechanism, may be cured under anaerobic conditions, by thermal treatment or by actinic radiation, such as ultraviolet (“UV”) or visible light. Anaerobically curable compositions of such compounds or compositions are desirable since they have unique applications in many threadlocking and sealant areas where the need for a non-flowable material exists. The polymeric matrix may be selected from urea-urethanes, hydroxy or amine modified aliphatic hydrocarbons (such as castor oil-based rheological additives), liquid polyester-amide-based rheological additives and combinations thereof. In addition, the polymeric matrix may include polyacrylamides, polyimides, and polyhydroxyalkylacrylates.

In one desired embodiment of the present invention an anaerobic adhesive composition is provided which includes a polymerizable (meth)acrylate monomer, a polymerization initiator for the monomer, and a polymeric matrix material miscible or otherwise compatible with the monomer. The matrix material is present in an amount sufficient to render the composition non-flowable at temperatures of at least about 70° F. (21° C. The polymeric matrix and polymerizable component readily form a stable mixture or combination without phase separation of component parts. In one particular aspect of this embodiment, the polymeric matrix and polymerizable component are present in one part and the initiator is present in a second part.

In a further desirable embodiment the present invention provides a non-flowable adhesive or sealant composition, which includes a self-supporting combination of a polymerizable (meth)acrylate monomer; a polymerization initiator; and a polymeric material miscible with the (meth)acrylate and the initiator, and present in an amount sufficient to render the composition non-flowable at temperatures of at least about 120° F. (49° C.), and desirably about 160° F. (71° C.).

The present invention also contemplates a method of making the non-flowable composition, as well as a method of use.

The present invention also contemplates an article of manufacture. In this embodiment there is included a dispensing container for housing and dispensing a non-flowable adhesive or sealant composition. The container includes a generally elongate hollow body having first and second ends, with one of the ends having a dispense opening. The container houses an adhesive or sealant composition, which includes a polymerizable (meth)acrylate monomer; a polymerization initiator; and a polymeric material miscible with the (meth)acrylate and the initiator and present in an amount sufficient to render the composition non-flowable at temperatures of at least about 120° F. (49° C.), up to about 180° F. (54° C.).

The compositions of the present invention are non-flowable, i.e., they are capable of existing in a self-supporting mass without migrating at temperatures of at least 70° F. (21° C.), desirably 120° F. (49° C.) up to at least about 180° F. (82° C.). In practical applications, these compositions are provided in an applicator such that they can be conveniently dispensed to the desired location. For example, one convenient means of dispensing is a pocket-sized or hand-held lipstick-type container which can be easily carried by the mechanic or maintenance worker for use as needed. Such a dispenser solves the problem of spillage in the environment which can be particularly problematic where contamination sensitive parts are present or when migration of adhesive is generally undesirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lipstick-type dispenser container with a dispenser cap.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lipstick-type container showing the adhesive composition contained therein.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a dispenser container showing a notched rim at the dispense opening.

FIG. 4 shows a dispense container having a concave section at its dispense opening for receiving geometrically complimentary parts.

FIG. 5 shows a dispense container having both a concave section and a notched section at its dispense opening rim.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a dispensing container showing the dispense opening being concave.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a container and cap showing the dispense opening defined by slotted apertures.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a container and cap having the dispense opening defined by generally circular apertures.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a dispense container and cap showing the dispense opening having a concave surface portion and slotted apertures therein.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cap for a dispense container with one end being concave.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of the cap of FIG. 10 showing elongate apertures for dispensing compositions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The compositions and articles of manufacture of the present invention include at least one room-temperature flowable polymerizable compound which is useful in adhesive and/or sealant applications. These compositions may be naturally liquid at room temperature or combined with a suitable solvent to render them flowable at room temperature. Among the classes of polymerizable monomers useful in the present invention include, without limitation, anaerobics, epoxies, acrylics, polyurethanes, compositions of olefinically-functionalized compounds, silicones and combinations thereof.

One desirable class of polymerizable monomers useful in the present invention is the poly- and mono-functional (meth)acrylate esters. One class of polymerizable esters useful have the general structure CH₂═C(R)COOR¹ where R is H, CH₃, C₂H₅ or halogen, such as Cl, and R¹ is C₁₋₈ mono- or bicycloalkyl, a 3 to 8-membered heterocyclic radial with a maximum of two oxygen atoms in the heterocycle, H, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or aminoalkyl where the alkyl portion is C₁₋₈ straight or branched carbon atom chain.

Among other desirable polymerizable monomers useful in the present invention include those which fall within the structure:

-   -   where R² may be selected from hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to about 4         carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or

-   -   R³ may be selected from hydrogen, halogen, and alkyl of 1 to         about 4 carbon atoms and C₁₋₈ mono- or bicycloalkyl, a 3 to 8         membered heterocyclic radical with a maximum of 2 oxygen atoms         in the ring;     -   R⁴ may be selected from hydrogen, hydroxy and

-   -   m is an integer equal to at least 1, e.g., from 1 to about 8 or         higher, for instance from 1 to about 4;     -   n is an integer equal to at least 1, e.g., 1 to about 20 or         more; and     -   v is 0 or 1.

Other desirable acrylate ester monomers are those selected from urethane acrylates within the general structure: (CH₂═CR⁵.CO.O.R⁶.O.CO.NH)₂R⁷ where R⁵ is H, CH₃, C₂H₅ or halogen, such as Cl; R⁶ is (i) a C₁₋₈ hydroxyalkylene or aminoalkylene group, (ii) a C₁₋₆ alklamino-C₁₋₈ alkylene, a hydroxyphenylene, aminophenylene, hydroxynaphthalene or amino-naphthalene optionally substituted by a C³ alkyl, C₁₋₃ alkylamino or di-C₁₋₃ alkylamino group; and R⁷ is C₂₋₂₀ alkylene, alkenylene or cycloalkylene, C₆₋₄₀ arylene, alkarylene, aralkarylene, alkyloxyalkylene or aryloxyarylene optionally substituted by 1-4 halogen atoms or by 1-3 amino or mono- or di-C₁₋₃ alkylamino or C₁₋₃ alkoxy groups; or acrylates within the general structure: (CH₂═CR⁵.CO.O.R⁶.O.CO.NH.R⁷.NH.CO.X—)_(n)R⁸ where R⁵, R⁶, and R⁷ are as given above; R⁸ is a non-functional residue of a polyamine or a polhydric alcohol having at least n primary or secondary amino or hydroxy groups respectively; X is O or NR⁹, where R⁹ is H or a C₁₋₇ alkyl group; and n is an integer from 2 to 20.

Among the specific monofunctional polymerizable acrylate ester monomers particularly desirable, and which correspond to certain of the structures above, are hydroxypropyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, 2-aminopropyl methacrylate and the corresponding acrylates.

Specific polyfunctional monomers which are desirable include polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate and dipropylene glycol dimethacrylate.

Other desirable polymerizable acrylate ester monomers useful in the instant invention are selected from the class consisting of the acrylate, methacrylate and glycidyl methacrylate esters of bisphenol A. Particularly desirable among all of the free-radical polymerizable monomers mentioned are ethoxylated bisphenol-A-dimethacrylate (“EBIPMA”).

Mixtures or copolymers of any of the above-mentioned free-radical polymerizable monomers can be employed.

Polymerizable vinyl monomers may also be optionally incorporated and are represented by the general structure: R¹⁰—CH═CH—R¹⁰ where R¹⁰ is alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, alkylene, aryloxy, aryloxyalky, alkoxyaryl, aralkylene, OOC—R¹, where R¹ is defined above, can also be effectively employed in the instant composition.

Copolymers or mixtures of monomers disclosed herein with other compatible monomers are also contemplated.

Among the polymerizable polyacrylate esters utilized in accordance with the present invention include those which are exemplified but not restricted to the following materials: di-, tri-, and tetra-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, dipropylene glycol dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate, di(pentamethylene glycol) dimethacrylate, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, tetraethylene glycol di(chloroacrylate), diglycerol diacrylate, diglycerol tetramethacrylate, tetramethylene dimethacrylate, ethylene dimethacrylate, neopentyl glycol diacrylate and trimethylol propane triacrylate. The foregoing monomers need not be in the pure state, but may comprise commercial grades in which inhibitors or stabilizers, such as polyhydric phenols, quinones, and the like are included. These materials function as free radical inhibitors to prevent premature polymerization. It is also within the scope of the present invention to obtain modified characteristics for the cured composition by utilization of one or more monomers either from those listed above or additional additives such as unsaturated monomers, including unsaturated hydrocarbons and unsaturated esters.

Examples of suitable epoxy resins for use with the present invention include glycidyl ether type epoxy resins such as bisphenol A type epoxy resins, bisphenol F type epoxy resins, phenol novolac type epoxy resins, orthocresol novolac type epoxy resins, brominated epoxy resins and biphenyl type epoxy resins, cyclic aliphatic epoxy resins, glycidyl ester type epoxy resins, glycidylamine type epoxy resins, cresol novolac type epoxy resins, naphthalene type epoxy resins, phenol aralkyl type epoxy resins, cyclopentadiene type epoxy resins, heterocyclic epoxy resins and combinations thereof.

The compositions of the present invention generally require a polymerization agent which initiates or otherwise promotes the polymerization of the monomer. In the case of anaerobic compositions, peroxy initiators are generally employed. However, the invention is not limited to anaerobic compositions and consequently other polymerization promoting materials, such as free radical promoters and initiators, metal catalysts and the like may be employed suitable to the chosen monomer and/or polymerizable composition.

The peroxy initiators useful in anaerobic compositions of the present invention include the hydroperoxy polymerization initiators and most preferably the organic hydroperoxide initiators having the formula ROOH, where R generally is a hydrocarbon radical containing up to about 18 carbons, desirably an alkyl, aryl or aralkyl radical containing up to about 12 carbon atoms. Typical examples of such hydroperoxides Include cumene hydroperoxide, methylethylketone hydroperoxide as well as hydroperoxides formed by the oxygenation of various other hydrocarbons such as methylbutene, cetane and cyclohexane. Other peroxy initiators such as hydrogen peroxide or materials such as organic peroxides or peresters which hydrolyoize or decompose to form hydroperoxides may also be employed.

The peroxy initiators commonly employed in anaerobic compositions typically comprise less than about 20% by weight of the composition. Desirably, however, they are employed in lower levels such as about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the total composition.

The polymerizable compositions may also be heat-curable compositions through a free-radical mechanism, with a heat-cure initiator being present therein, or an initiator system comprising a redox polymerization initiator (i.e., an ingredient or a combination of ingredients which at the desired elevated temperature conditions, e.g., from about 90 to about 150° C. (194 to 302° F.) to produce an oxidation-reduction reaction, resulting in the production of free radicals). Suitable initiators may include peroxy materials, e.g., peroxides, hydroperoxides, and peresters, which under appropriate elevated temperature conditions decompose to form peroxy free radicals which are initiatingly effective for the polymerization of the heat-curable compositions.

Another useful class of heat-curing initiators comprises azonitrile compounds which yield free radicals when decomposed by heat. Heat is applied to cure the composition, and the resulting free radicals initiate polymerization of the heat-curable composition.

For example, azonitrile may be a compound of the formula:

-   -   wherein R¹⁴ is a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, iso-butyl         or n-pentyl radical, and R¹⁵ is a methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,         iso-propyl, cyclopropyl, carboxy-n-propyl, iso-butyl,         cyclobutyl, n-pentyl, neo-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,         phenyl, benzyl, p-chlorobenzyl, or p-nitrobenzyl radical or R¹⁴         and R¹⁵, taken together with the carbon atom to which they are         attached, represent a radical of the formula

wherein m is an integer from 3 to 9, or the radical

Compounds of the above formula are more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,921, the disclosure of which hereby is incorporated herein by reference.

Azonitrile initiators of the above-described formula are readily commercially available e.g., the initiators which are commercially available under the trademark VAZO® from E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, Inc., Wilmington, Del., including VAZO® 52 (R¹⁴ ═methyl, R¹⁵═isobutyl), VAZO® 64 (R¹⁴═methyl, R¹⁵═methyl), and VAZO® 67 (R¹⁴═methyl, R¹⁵═ethyl), all such R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ constituents being identified with reference to the above-described azonitrile general formula.

A desirable azonitrile initiator is 2,2′-azobis(iso-butyronitrile) or AZBN.

The azonitrile may be employed in the inventive heat-curable compositions in concentrations on the order of about 500 to about 10,000 parts per million (ppm) by weight, desirably about 1,000 to about 5,000 ppm.

Nonlimiting photoinitiators suitable for use in the present invention that will respond to UV radiation to initiate and induce curing include, but are not limited to, benzophenone and substituted benzophenones, acetophenone and substituted acetophenones, benzoin and its alkyl esters, xanthone and substituted xanthones, diethoxy-acetophenone, benzoin methyl ether, benzoin ethyl ether, benzoin isopropyl ether, diethoxyxanthone, chloro-thio-xanthone, N-methyl diethanol-amine-benzophenone, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-1-one, 2-benzyl-2-(dimethylamino)-1-[4-(4-morpholinyl)phenyl]-1-butanone and mixtures thereof. Nonlimiting photoinitiators suitable for use in the present invention that will respond to visible light to initiate and induce curing include, but are not limited to, camphoroquinone peroxyester initiators and 9-fluorene carboxylic acid peroxyesters. The photoinitiators set forth above are for the purposes of illustration only and are in no way meant to limit the initiators that may be used in the present invention.

The photoinitiators desirably are present in amounts of about 0.01% to about 10%, and more desirably about 0.1% to 0.5% by weight of the total composition.

Useful curing agents for epoxies include, but are not limited to, amines, peroxides, anhydrides, phenol compounds, acid anhydride compounds and combinations thereof. In particular, phenol resins having at least two phenolic hydroxyl groups in a molecule are useful. In general, useful amounts of the curing agent are from about 0.1 to about 10% of the total composition. Particularly useful curing agents include dicyandiamide, 1-(2 cyanoethyl) 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, 1-benzyl 2-methylimidazole, ethyl cyano propyl imidazole and combinations thereof

The use of imidazole compounds as curing agents results in epoxies with very good physical properties. The imidazole type agents utilized in the compositions of the present inventions are typically organic heterocyclic compounds containing a five-membered diunsaturated ring with two nonadjacent nitrogen atoms as part of the ring. Typically, these imidazoles are described by the following formula:

where R₁₆, R₁₇, R₁₈ and R₁₉ are H or lower alkyl of 1-4 carbon atoms, alkaryl, or benzyl groups, optionally substituted. Typically, either or both R₁₇ and R₁₉ will be hydrogen. Useful imidazoles include 2-methylimidazole, 2-phenylimidazole, 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, 2-undecylimidazole, 1-cyanoethyl-2-methylimidazole, 2,4-dicyano-6,2-methylimidazolyl-(1)-ethyl1-s-triazine, and 2,4-dicyano-6,2-undecylimidazolyl-(1)-ethyl-s-triazine, imidazolium salts (such as 1-cyanoethyl-2-undecylimidazolium trimellitate, 2-methylimidazolium, isocyanurate, 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazolium tetraphenylborate, and 2-ethyl-1,4-dimethylimidazolium tetraphenylborate and combinations thereof.

Other useful curing agents for epoxies include phosphine compounds such as tributylphosphine, triphenylphosphine, tris(dimethoxyphenyl)phosphine, tris(hydroxypropyl)phosphine, and tris(cyanoethyl)phosphine, phosphonium salts such as tetraphenylphosphoniumtetraphenyl borate, methyltrlbutylphosphoniumtetraphenylborate, and methyltricyanoethylphosphonium tetraphenylborate), amines such as 2,4,6-tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, benzylmethylamine, tetramethylbutylguanidine, N-methylpiperazine, and 2-dimethylamino-1-pyrroline, ammonium salts such as trimethylammonium tetraphenylborate, diazabicyclo compounds such as 1,5-diazabicyclo(5,4,0)-7-undecene, 1,5-diazabicyclo(4,3,0)-5-nonene, and 1,4-diazabicyclo(2,2,2)-octane, and salts of diazabicyclo compounds such as tetraphenylborate, phenol salt, phenolnovolac salt, and 2-ethylhexanoic acid salt.

Useful phenol resin curing agents include phenol novolac resins, cresol novolac resins, phenol aralkyl resins, naphthalene type phenol resins, cyclopentadiene type phenol resins, and phenolic hydroxyl group-containing phenol.

The polymeric matrix useful in the present invention must be present in a sufficient amount to render the normally flowable polymerizable compound non-flowable at temperatures of at least about room temperature and more desirably at temperatures of at least about in the range of 70° F. (21° C.) to about 180° F. (82° C.) and even more desirably greater than 120° F. (49° C.) to about 160° F. (171° C.).

The polymeric matrix includes an organic material which generally has a melting point or softening point range in the range of about 200° F. (93° C.) to about 500° F. (260° C.), more desirably greater than 250° F. (121° C.) to about 500° F. (260° C.). Polymeric materials useful in the present invention may be selected from urea-urethanes, hydroxy or amine modified aliphatic hydrocarbons (such as castor oil-based rheological additives), liquid polyester-amide-based rheological additives and combinations thereof. Of particular utility are polyamide materials having a melting point of about 260° F. (127° C.). One such polyamide is commercially available as a non-reactive free flowing powder under the tradename DISPARLON 6200, from King Industries Specialties Company, Norwalk, Conn. Other polyamides include DISPARLON 6100 and 6500. The recommended use in accordance with commercially available data sheets for DISPARLON 6200 is for epoxy adhesive and potting compounds in amounts of about 0.5% to about 3% by weight; the recommended use in accordance with commercially available data sheets for DISPARLON 6500 is for epoxy adhesive and potting compounds in amounts of about 0.5% to about 3% by weight.

The present invention includes the presence of the polymeric matrix in amounts of about 2.5% to about 20%, for instance about 5% to about 15%, such as about 7% to about 10%, by weight of the total composition. When present in these amounts, the non-flowability characteristics of a composition can be obtained with minimal undesirable effects, such as loss of substantial tensile properties or sealing characteristics. Additionally, these materials can be added directly in solid form, such as in powder or particulate form, without pre-melting of the particles or even heating of the polymerizable compounds. It is often practical, however, to slightly heat the polymerizable compounds before or after incorporating the polymeric matrix for the sake of expediency. This is not necessary to obtain the non-flowable characteristics but is used as a practical and expedient processing measure.

The polyamide materials of the present invention desirably have a particle size less than about 15 microns, although other particle sizes are useful. As previously mentioned, the melting or softening point of the polymeric matrix materials ranges from about 200° F. (93° C.) to about 500° F. (260° C.) In a particularly desirable embodiment, a polyamide having a melting point of about 250° F.-270° F. (121° C.-132° C.) and desirably about 260° F. (127° C.) is employed.

In addition, the polymeric matrix may further include polyamides, polyacrylamides, polyimides, and polyhydroxyalkylacrylates.

A more particular description of a urea-urethane includes a combination of an alkali metal cation and the reaction product of (a) a polyfunctional isocyanate and an hydroxy and an amine; or (b) a phosgene or phosgene derivative, and a compound having 3 to 7 polyethylene ether units terminated at one end with an ether group and at the other end with a reactive functional group selected from an amine, an amide, a thiol or an alcohol; or c) a monohydroxy compound, a diisocyanate and a polyamine. When the reaction product described in (c) is employed it is generally formed by first reacting a monohydroxy compound with a diisocyanate to form a mono-isocyanate adduct, and subsequently reacting the mono-isocyanate reaction product with a polyamine in the presence of an alkali metal salt and aprotic solvent, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,924, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. A commercially available version of the reaction product described in IC) is believed to be BYK-410, from BYK-Chemie, Wallingford, Conn. BYK-Chemie describes this reaction product as a urea-urethane.

Useful isocyanates for forming the reaction product(s) of the additive include polyisocyanates such as phenyl diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, 4,4′-diphenyl diisocyanate, 4,4′-diphenylene methane diisocyanate, dianisidine diisocyanate, 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate, 4,4′-diphenyl ether diisocyanate, p-phenylene diisocyanate, 4,4′-dicyclo-hexylmethane diisocyanate, 1,3-bis-(isocyanatomethyl) cyclohexane, cyclohexylene diisocyanate, tetrachlorophenylene diisocyanate, 2,6-diethyl-p-phenylenediisocyanate, and 3,5-diethyl-4,4′-diisocyanatodiphenylmethane. Still other polyisocyanates that may be used are polyisocyanates obtained by reacting polyamines containing terminal, primary and secondary amine groups or polyhydric alcohols, for example, the alkane, cycloalkane, alkene and cycloalkane polyols such as glycerol, ethylene glycol, bisphenol-A, 4,4′-dihydroxy-phenyldimethylmethane-substituted bisphenol-A, and the like, with an excess of any of the above-described isocyanates.

Useful alcohols for reacting with the polyisocyanates also include polyethyl glycol ethers having 3-7 ethylene oxide repeating units and one end terminated with an ether or an ester, polyether alcohols, polyester alcohols, as well as alcohols based on polybutadiene. The specific type of alcohol chosen and the molecular weight range can be varied to achieve the desired effect. Generally, monohydroxy compounds, straight or branched chain aliphatic or cyclic primary or secondary alcohols containing C₅₋₂₅, and alkoxylated derivatives of these monohydroxy compounds are useful.

Phosgene and phosgene derivatives, such as bischloroformates, may be used to make the reaction product of the additive (c). These compounds are reacted with a nitrogen-containing compound, such as an amine, an amide or a thiol to form the adduct. Phosgenes and phosgene derivatives may also be reacted with an alcohol to form the reaction product.

The alkali metal cations are usually provided in the form of a halide salt. For example, sodium, potassium and lithium halide salts are useful. In particular, sodium chloride, sodium iodide, sodium bromide, potassium chloride, potassium iodide, potassium bromide, lithium chloride, lithium iodide, lithium bromide and combinations thereof may be employed.

The reaction products of additive (c) of the present invention are usually present in and added to the composition with an alkali metal salt, in a solvent carrier. The solvents are desirably polar aprotic solvents in which the reaction to form the reaction product was carried out. For example, N-methyl pyrrolidone, dimethylsulfoxide, hexamethylphosphoric acid triamine, N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylurea, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-butylpyrrolidone, tetrahydrofuran and diethylether may be employed.

One particularly desirable additive is the combination of a lithium salt and a reaction product which is formed by reacting a monohydroxy compound with a diisocyanate compound to form a mono-isocyanate first adduct, which is subsequently reacted with a polyamine in the presence of lithium chloride and 1-methy-2-pyrrolidone to form a second adduct. A commercially available additive of this sort is sold by BYK Chemie, Wallingford, Conn. under the tradename BYK 410. This commercially available additive is described by BYK-Chemie product literature as being a urea urethane having a minor amount of lithium chloride present in a 1-methyl-2 pyrrolidone solvent.

Amines which can be reacted with phosgene or phosgene derivatives to make the reaction product include those which conform to the general formula R¹¹—NH₂, where R¹¹ is aliphatic or aromatic. Desirable aliphatic amines include polyethylene glycol ether amines. Desirable aromatic amines include those having polyethylene glycol ether substitution on the aromatic ring.

For example, commercially available amines sold under the tradename JEFFAMINE by Huntsman Corporation, Houston, may be employed. Examples include JEFFAMINE D-230, JEFFAMINE D-400, JEFFAMINE D-2000, JEFFAMINE T-403, JEFFAMINE ED-600, JEFFAMINE ED-900, JEFFAMINE ED-2001, JEFFAMINE EDR-148, JEFFAMINE XTJT-509, JEFFAMINE T-3000, JEFFAMINE T-5000, and combinations thereof.

The JEFFAMINE D series are diamine based products and may be represented by:

-   -   (CAS Registry No. 904610-0)         where x is about 2.6 (for JEFFAMINE D-230), 5.6 (for JEFFAMINE         D-400) and 33.1 (for JEFFAMINE D-2000), respectively.

The JEFFAMINE T series are trifunctional amine products based on propylene oxide and may be represented by:

where x, y and z are set-forth below in Table A.

TABLE A JEFFAMINE Approx. Mole Product Initiator (A) Mol. Wt. % T-403 Trimethylolpropane   440 5-6 T-3000 Glycerine 3,000 50 T-5000 Glycerine 5,000 85

More specifically, the JEFFAMINE T-403 product is a trifunctional amine and may be represented by:

where x+y+z is 5.3. (CAS Registry No. 39423-51-3)

The JEFFAMINE ED series are polyether diamine-based products and may be represented by:

where a, b and c are set forth below in Table B.

TABLE B JEFFAMINE Approx. Value Approx. Product B a + c Mol. Wt. ED-600  8.5 2.5 600 ED-900 15.5 2.5 900 ED-2001 40.5 2.5 2,000  

Amides useful for reacting with the phosgene or phosgene derivatives include those which correspond to the following formula:

where R¹² may be an aliphatic or aromatic, substituted or unsubstituted, hydrocarbon or heterohydrocarbon, substituted or unsubstituted, having C₁₋₃₆.

Alcohols useful in forming the reaction product with the phosgene or phosgene derivatives include those described above.

Another polymeric matrix useful herein includes hydroxyl or amine modified aliphatic hydrocarbons and liquid polyester-amide based rheological additives. Hydroxy or amine modified aliphatic hydrocarbons include THIXCIN R, THIXCIN GR, THIXATROL ST and THIXATROL, GST available from Rheox Inc., Hightstown, N.J. These modified aliphatic hydrocarbons are castor oil based materials. The hydroxyl modified aliphatic hydrocarbons are partially dehydrated castor oil or partially dehydrated glycerides of 12-hydrostearic acid. These hydrocarbons may be further modified with polyamides to form polyamides of hydroxyl stearic acid are described as being useful polyamides.

Liquid polyester-amide based rheological additives include THIXATROL TSR, THIXATROL SR and THIXATROL VF rheological additives available from Rheox Inc., Hightstown, N.J. These rheological additives are described to be reaction products polycarboxylic acids, polyamines, alkoxylated polyols and capping agents. Useful polycaboxylic acids include sebacic acid, poly(butadiene) dioic acids, dodecane dicarboxylic acid and the like. Suitable polyamines include diamine adkyls. Capping agents are described as being monocarboxylic acids having aliphatic unsaturation.

Other materials can be added to the polyerizable monomers. Anaerobic polymerizable compositions typically employ stabilizers, accelerators, thickeners, coloring agents and the like in suitable amounts for their intended purposes.

Inhibitors and chelators, well recognized in the art for imparting stability to polymerizable compositions, are recommended. It is preferred that they be added to the composition prior to adding the polymeric matrix material. Those inhibitors useful in the present composition may be selected from any of the known inhibitors including those selected from hydroquinones, benzoquinones, naphthoquinones, phenanthraquinones, anthraquinones, and substituted compounds of any of these. Among the chelators which may be optionally present in the adhesive composition are the beta-diketones, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (“EDTA”) and the sodium salt of EDTA. Both the inhibitors and chelators may be effectively employed in levels of about 0.1 to about 1% by weight of the monomer, without adversely affecting the speed of cure of the polymerizable adhesive composition.

Thickeners, plasticizers, pigments, dyes, diluents, fillers, and other agents common to the art can be employed in any reasonable manner to produce desired functional characteristics, providing they do not significantly interfere with the monomer polymerization. Inert fillers are present in relatively high amounts as compared to conventional threadlocking systems. Most desired are fillers which add lubricity and sealing characteristics to the compositions. TEFLON (polytetrafluoroethylene) and polyethylene are non-limiting examples.

The present invention does not include the materials disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,547,851 as those useful for the polymeric matrix material. Thermoplastic polymers used to achieve non-flowability in that patent were found to be ineffective for purposes of the present invention.

Preparation of the compositions and products of the present invention can be achieved by simple admixture of the polymeric matrix material into the polymerizable composition. No premelting of the polymeric matrix is necessary and the polymeric matrix can be in either the liquid or solid form prior to incorporation thereof. Although it is not necessary to heat the polymerizable composition prior to incorporation of the polymeric matrix, as a practical matter it is desired to slightly elevate the temperature to within the range of about 40-60° C., such as about 50° C. (122° F.), while using a mixer or dispenser machine to incorporate the polymeric matrix. Mixing is performed for a time sufficient to incorporate the matrix material, into the polymerizable composition, which can vary depending on the batch size. Generally, only seconds or minutes are required to achieve the desired blending in of the matrix material. The composition will render itself non-flowable in approximately 2 to about 100 hours at room temperature depending on the nature of the polymerizable composition. This is due to the unique nature of the polymeric matrix, which is designed to be swellable and effectively form a branched matrix in situ. While not wishing to be bound by any particular hypothesis, it is believed that the polymeric matrix particles retain their particulate nature, yet imbibe large amounts of the polymerizable composition. In doing so, they lend the non-flowable characteristics to the polymerizable composition, yet apply smoothly to a surface by virtue of its particulate nature. It appears that a portion of the matrix particle is solubilized which permits the imbibing, and a portion remains unsolubilized which allows for retention of its particulate form.

The amount of polymeric matrix is only limited on the upper end by the strength and stiffness required in the final product. Of course, this must be balanced with the desired strength of the adhesive or the particular sealing characteristics desired. As previously mentioned, optimum ranges for obtaining a variety of useful high and low strength threadlocking properties have an upper range of about 15% by weight. The lower 5% range is dictated by the ability of the material to provide a non-flowable characteristics in the final composition. The polymerizable compositions of the present invention may cure via a variety of curing mechanisms. Moreover, the compositions can be heat curable or heat accelerated as well as having the ability to cure at room temperature. And the compositions may also be photocurable, in which case photo-polymerization initiators should also be included. And the case of compositions, which include a silicone backbone with alkoxy and/or aryloxy groups, moisture curing is also contemplated.

The present invention also contemplates and article of manufacture which includes the above-mentioned non-flowable composition in a dispenser or applicator. Desirably the dispenser is a pocket-size, lipstick-type dispenser which can be carried by the mechanic or maintenance worker without fear of spillage or contamination of sensitive parts and used as needed. The dispenser typically is generally elongate in shape and designed to mechanically advance the composition through a dispense opening. The dispense opening can be defined as the entire perimeter of the container wall or it can be smaller apertures located on the end surface of the container. The perimeter or aperture which defines the dispense opening can be smooth, notched or wavy, such as in a sinusoidal wave. Additionally, a portion of the dispense end of the container can be concave to accommodate a threaded member or tubular body which requires application of the composition.

Alternatively, the dispense end of the container may have a dispense opening which is defined by apertures such as slots or holes on the top surface. These apertures can be combined with other features described above, such as the concave surface or perimeter for accommodating threaded members or other cylindrical parts.

The container is generally fitted with a cap which fits over and around the container walls. The cap can also be designed at its closed end to have the concave portion and/or apertures as defined previously.

At the container end opposite the dispense opening, i.e., the bottom end of the container is proximally located a mechanism for mechanically advancing the adhesive. These mechanisms are generally well known in the art and include a pusher means which can include a knob located at the bottom of the container which when turned in one direction advances the adhesive contained therein to the dispense opening and when turned in the other direction moves the adhesive in the opposite direction.

Reference to FIGS. 1-11 depicts an article of manufacture in more particular detail. FIG. 1 shows dispense container 10 having a generally elongate tubular shape defined by wall 20 and having a dispense end defined by perimeter 21. Cap 50 as shown is designed for closingly engaging tubular wall 20 by fitting thereover. Composition 30 is shown in FIG. 1 within container 10. FIG. 2 shows composition 30 being advanced above perimeter 21 using knurled knob 40 which was turned to advance the composition. Turning knob 40 in the opposite direction causes composition 30 to descend back within the container.

FIG. 3 shows container 10 having a dispense perimeter defining the opening being notched. Such a design could alternatively be sinusoidal or have other geometric shape which can be tailored to the type of surface on which the composition is to be applied. For example, FIG. 4 shows container 10 having opposed concave surfaces in its perimeter 23 for accommodating parts having rounded surfaces such as a bolt, screw or rod-like parts. FIG. 5 shows a combination of opposed concave surfaces in perimeter 24 in combination with oppositely opposed geometric portions of the same perimeter.

FIG. 6 shows container 10 having a large portion of its perimeter 25 having opposed concave portions.

FIG. 7 shows container 10 having a dispense end with end surface 65 and elongate aperatures 70 through which the composition is dispensed.

FIG. 8 shows a different aperture shape in the form of a generally circular aperture 71.

FIG. 9 shows container 10 having an end surface 66 in which aperature 72 are both elongate and concave since they follow the geometry of the end surface 66. Cap 51 for this container fits around perimeter 80 and may be designed with or without aperatures. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the design with apertures is shown, where cap 51 has elongate apertures which can be opened or closed by closure means, not shown, and which can be fitted over perimeter 80.

The following non-limiting examples are intended to further illustrate the present invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Anaerobic compositions A-C were prepared in accordance with the formulations set forth herein. Inventive compositions 1-5 in Table I were prepared by incorporating the indicated amount of polymeric matrix material, in powder form and mixing in a dispenser for about 30 seconds until the polymeric powder is fully dispersed or miscible with the anaerobic composition. The anaerobic composition may optionally be slightly heated prior to incorporation of the polymer matrix, e.g., at about 122° F. (50° C.).

TABLE I INVENTIVE NON-FLOWABLE COMPOSITIONS (wt. %) Composition No. Component 1 2 3 4 5 Composition A 91 — — 95 85 Composition B — 91 — — — Composition C — — 91 — — Polymeric  9  9  9  5 15 Matrix⁽¹⁾ ⁽¹⁾Polyamide having a meeting point of 262° F.

Each of the inventive compositions were dispensed into lipstick-type dispenser packages and aged overnight at about 122° F. (50° C.). In each of the inventive compositions the same polyamide was used in amounts ranging from 5% to about 15% by weight of the total composition. The polyamide chosen had a melting point of about 262° F. (128° C.) and a particle size of less than about 15 microns. The polyamide chosen is a proprietary material sold under the tradename DISPARLON 6200. This polyamide is reported to have the property of swelling when dispersed into compatible liquid at a certain temperature. This temperature is known as the activation temperature because at this temperature the swelling results in an increase in viscosity of the liquid. In the present invention, these materials allow for a normally room temperature flowable composition, such as an anaerobic composition, to be rendered non-flowable at room temperature and remain non-flowable up to temperatures of 180° F. (82° C.) or more. In each of the inventive compositions 1-5, the resultant composition, even after accelerated heat aging, was a self-supporting adhesive mass, exhibiting a soft non-flowable consistency which was easily dispensed onto parts by wiping the dispenser across the intended surface.

Threaded bolts were coated with the control compositions and the inventive compositions respectively by manual application from a lipstick-type dispenser. The bolts were then mated with nuts and allowed to cure 24 hours. The initial break-torque in inch-pounds was recorded and is shown in Table II. Certain compositions were tested after accelerated aging for 1 week, 4 weeks and 8 weeks at 112° F. (50° C.), respectively.

TABLE II Break Torque Tests (in. lbs.) Initial 1 Wk 4 Wks 8 Wks Compositions (24 hr.) @ 50° C. @ 50° C. @ 50° C. Contr. Comp. A 63 58 73 78 Contr. Comp. B 17 — — — Contr. Comp. C 215  — — — Inv. Comp. 1 52 52 57 47 Inv. Comp. 2 12 — — — Inv. Comp. 3 132  — — — POLYMERIZABLE ANAEROBIC COMPOSITION A (Thread Locker) Component Wt. % Polyglycol dimethacrylate 64  polyglycol oleate 26  Saccharin 3 cumene hydroperoxide 2 propylene glycol 2 fumed silica 2 N,N-dialkyltoluidine 1 Hydroquinone (100 ppm) POLYMERIZABLE ANAEROBIC COMPOSITION B (Pipe Sealant) Component Wt. % bisphenol A fumarate resin 26  Polyglycol dimethacrylate 21  Mica 16  Octanol 12  Polyglycol dioctanoate 11  Cumene hydroperoxide 7 PTFE 2 Organic esters 2 Fumed silica 2 Titanium dioxide 1 Hydroquinone (100 ppm) POLYMERIZABLE ANAEROBIC COMPOSITION C (High Strength Thread Locker) Component Wt. % polyglycol dimethacrylate 67  bisphenol A fumarate resin 24  Saccharin 3 cumene hydroperoxide 2 Polyethylene 2 N,N-dialkyltoluidine 1 fumed silica 1 Hydroquinone (100 ppm)

Example 2

In this example, we prepared three polymerizable compositions in non-flowable form with the following constituents in the approximate amounts noted in Table III:

TABLE III Composition (Wt. %) Component D E F Polyethylene glycol 65 64 63 dimethacrylate Polyethylene glycol 200 3 4 6 di (2-ethyl hexoate) Saccharin 3.5 3 3.5 Cumene hydroperoxide 2 2 2 Polyethylene 3 2 3 N,N-dialkyltoluidine 0.2 0.8 0.2 DISPARLON 6200 10 10 10 BYK 410 1 — 1 Chelator aqueous premix 3 2.6 3 Polyvinyl acetate beads 5 5.5 5 Colorant 0.1 1.11 0.1 fumed silica 4 4 4 1,4-napthaquinone 0.1 0.1 0.1

These three were dispensed into lipstick-type dispenser packages and aged for about two hours at about 122° F. (50° C.). In the compositions, DISPARLON 6200 was used in the same amount—10%. As noted above, DISPARLON 6200 has a melting point of about 262° F. (128° C.) and a particle size of less than about 15 microns. In addition, in compositions D and F, BYK 410 was included to induce the compositions to be non-flowable room temperature and remain non-flowable up to temperatures of 180° F. (82° C.) or more. In these compositions, polyvinyl acetate beads were included as a thickener, which increased the viscosity of the composition in a non-shear sensitive manner.

Threaded bolts were coated with these compositions by manual application from a lipstick-type dispenser. The bolts were then mated with nuts and allowed to cure at room temperature for periods of time of 60 minutes and 20 hours. The initial break-torque in inch-pounds was recorded and is shown in Table IV.

TABLE IV Break/Prevail Torque Tests (in. lbs.) Compositions 30 min 60 min 20 hours D 140/5 135/24 194/44 E — 115/7  173/38 F  142/32 140/38 225/54

Example 3

In this example, we prepared an anaerobic base composition and five polymerizable anaerobic compositions in non-flowable form with the following constituents in the approximate amounts noted in Table V:

TABLE V Anaerobic Compositions Compositions (Wt. %) Component Base G H I J K Polyethylene 62.6 56.3 56.3 56.3 59.6 56.3 glycol dimethacrylate Saccharin 3.8 3.4 3.4 3.4 3.6 3.4 N,N- 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.7 dialkyltoluidine Polyethylene 26.0 23.4 23.4 23.4 24.7 23.4 glycol 200 di(2- ethyl hexoate) fumed silica 2.0 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.8 1,4-napthaquinone 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.7 Colorant 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Chelator aqueous 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 premix Cumene 2.0 1.7 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 hydroperoxide DISPARLON 6200 — 10 5 — — — BYK 410 — — 5 4 — 5 CAB-O-SIL 530 — — — 6 — — THIXATROL ST — — — — 5 5 Total: 100 100 100 100 100 100

These five non-flowable compositions, i.e., compositions G through K, were dispensed into lipstick-type dispenser packages and aged for about two hours at a temperature of about 122° F. (50° C.). In the compositions, DISPARLON 620, BYK 410, CAB-O-SIL 530 and THIXATROL ST were used in various amounts, totaling from about 5% to about 10% by weight. CAB-O-SIL 530 is a fumed silica, treated with hexamethyldisilazane, available from Cabot Corp., Tuscola, Ill. Other silicas may suitably be used, such as untreated fumed silica, such as is available from Cabot Corp. as untreated CAB-O-SIL, or dimethyldichlorosilane treated fumed silica (CAB-O-SIL 610), dimethyl silicone fluid treated fumed silica (CAB-O-SIL 720), and then like, also commercially available from Cabot Corp. Useful fumed and treated fumed silicas are also available from Degussa Corp., Parsippany, N.J., as AEROSIL products. Compositions G through K were observed to be non-flowable at room temperature and remained non-flowable up to temperatures of about 180° F. (82° C.) or more.

Threaded bolts were coated with these compositions by manual application from a lipstick-type dispenser. The bolts were then mated with nuts and allowed to cure at room temperature for a period of time of about 24 hours. The initial break-torque and the prevail-torque in inch-pounds were recorded, as follows in Table VI.

TABLE VI Break/Prevail Torque Tests (in. lbs.) Anaerobic Break/Prevail Torques at 24 Compositions hours Base 222/46 G 133/8  H 168/31 I 183/37 J 148/20 K 146/28

The non-flowable anaerobic compositions of the present Invention had acceptable break and prevail torques as compared to a flowable anaerobic base composition.

Example 4

In this example, we prepared an UV curable base composition and an UV polymerizable composition in non-flowable form with the following constituents in the approximate amounts noted in Table VII:

TABLE VII UV Curable Compositions Compositions (Wt. %) Component Base L Alkyl 32.2 29 Methacrylates Polyurethane 60.8 54.7 Methacrylates Photo-initiator 2 1.8 Acrylic Acid 5 4.5 BYK 410 — 5 THIXATROL ST — 5 Total: 100 100

The non-flowable composition, i.e., composition L, was dispensed into lipstick-type dispenser packages and aged for about two hours at a temperature of about 122° F. (50° C.). Composition L was observed to be non-flowable at room temperature and remained non-flowable up to temperatures of 180° F. (82° C.) or more.

Microscope slides were coated with Composition L by manual application from a lipstick-type dispenser. The slides were then mated with one and the other and exposed with ultraviolet light at 6,000 mW/cm² at 365 mm for a period of time of 30 seconds. Both samples exhibited a similar fixture time of about 15 to 20 seconds. The shear strengths were recorded, as shown in Table VIII.

TABLE VIII Torsional Shear Tests (psi) UV Curable Shear Strength, Fixture time, Compositions lbs/in² seconds Base 40 15-20 L 33 15-20

The non-flowable UV curable composition of the present invention had acceptable shear strength as compared to a flowable UV curable base composition.

Example 5

In this example, we prepared an epoxy composition and a non-flowable epoxy with the following constituents in the approximate amounts noted in Table IX:

TABLE IX Epoxy Compositions Compositions (Wt. %) Component Base M Bisphenol F Epoxy 32.2 82.2 resin Amine Adduct with 60.8 9.1 Epoxy Resin BYK 410 — 5 THIXATROL ST — 5 Total: 100 100

The non-flowable composition, i.e., Composition M, was dispensed into lipstick-type dispenser packages and aged for about two hours at about 122° F. (50° C.). Composition M was observed to be non-flowable at room temperature and remained non-flowable up to temperatures of 180° F. (82° C.) or more.

Lap shear specimens were prepared for these compositions using standard steel substrates each having the same amount of composition placed onto the substrate. The inventive non-flowable composition was applied by manual application from a lipstick-type dispenser. The prepared samples were cured at temperatures given below. The specimens were pulled at 0.5 inches/minute per ASTM D1002. The lap shear strengths were recorded, as follows in Table X.

TABLE X Lap Shear Strength Tests (psi) Epoxy Lap Shear Compositions Curing Conditions Strength, psi Base 80° C., 2 hours 2,559 Base 80° C., 2 hours, 2,624 and 120° C., 1 hour Base 80° C., 2 hours, 2,608 and 120° C., 1 hour M 80° C., 2 hours 1,920 M 80° C., 2 hours, 2,163 and 120° C., 1 hour M 80° C., 2 hours, 2,282 and 120° C., 1 hour

The non-flowable epoxy stick composition of the present invention had acceptable lap shear strength as compared to a flowable epoxy base composition.

Example 6

In this example, we prepared a non-flowable threadlocker composition with the following constituents in the approximate amounts noted in Table XI:

TABLE XI Threadlocker Compositions Component Composition N (Wt. %) TL 262⁽¹⁾/Activator 7091⁽²⁾ 89 BYK 410 7 CAB-O-SIL 530 4 Total: 100 Note: ⁽¹⁾Threadlocker 262, anaerobic curable threadlocker commercially available from Loctite Corp., Rocky Hill, CT. ⁽²⁾Activator 7091, methacrylate-based surface activator commercially available from Loctite Corp., Rocky Hill, CT.

The non-flowable composition was dispensed into lipstick-type dispenser packages and aged for about two hours at about 122° F. (50° C.). Composition N was non-flowable room temperature and remained non-flowable up to temperatures of 180° F. (82° C.) or more.

Threaded bolts were coated with these compositions by manual application from a lipstick-type dispenser. The bolts were then mated with nuts and allowed to cure at room temperature for a period of time of about 24 hours. The initial break-torque and the prevail-torque in inch-pounds were recorded, as follows in Table XII.

TABLE XII Break/Prevail Torque Tests (in. lbs.) Break/Prevail Torques (in. lbs.) Room TL 262 Temperature control TL 262/ Curing Times, (without Activator minutes activator) 7091 Composition N 5 34/2 46/4 45/2 12 38/2 46/2 52/2 30 57/4 — 60/2 60 —  162/122 128/70 1,080  174/145 128/70  206/128

The non-flowable threadlocker composition of the present invention had acceptable break and prevail torques as compared to flowable threadlocker compositions.

While the invention has been described in reference to various aspects and embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited by these, but may be subject to numerous variations, modifications and other embodiments, all which are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. 

1. An adhesive composition in non-flowable form at room temperature comprising: a. at least one polymerizable monomer, and b. about 2.5 to about 20% by weight of the total composition of a polymeric matrix selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyacrylamides, polyimides, polyhydroxyalkylacrylates, urea-urethanes, hydroxy or amine-modified aliphatic hydrocarbons, polyester-amide-based rheological additives and combinations thereof, wherein the adhesive composition is dispensable at room temperature and wherein the polymerizable monomer is a member selected from the group consisting of anaerobics, epoxies, acrylics, polyurethanes, compositions of olefinically-functionalized compounds, silicones and combinations thereof.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein said hydroxy or amine modified aliphatic hydrocarbons include hydroxyl or amine modified glycerides of 12-hydroxystearic acid.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein said polyester-amide-based rheological additives include compositions that are a reaction product of polycarboxylic acid, polyamine, alkoxylated polyols and a monocarboxylic acid having aliphatic unsaturation.
 4. The composition of claim 1, further including a polymerization initiator.
 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein said polymerization initiator is a peroxy compound.
 6. The composition of claim 1, further including a material selected from the group consisting of polymerization inhibitors, free radical scavengers, chelators, fillers, viscosity modifiers, lubricity agents, coloring agents, fluorescent agents, catalysts and combinations thereof.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polymeric matrix is present in amounts of about 5% to about 15% by weight of the composition.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the polymeric matrix is present in amounts of about 7% to about 10% by weight of the composition.
 9. The composition of claim 1, further including a curing agent or curing system for said polymerizable compounds.
 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein said curing agent or curing system is contained in a rupturable encapsulate.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein said curing agent or curing system includes a photoinitiator and further wherein said composition is curable by ultraviolet radiation.
 12. The composition of claim 1, further including a polymerization catalyst.
 13. The composition of claim 1, wherein said polymerizable compound and said polymeric matrix are in one part and said activator is in a second part.
 14. The composition of claim 1, further including fumed silica.
 15. The composition of claim 1, further including treated fumed silica.
 16. An article of manufacture comprising: a. a dispensing container for housing and dispensing a non-flowable adhesive or sealant composition, said container comprising a generally elongate hollow body having first and second ends, with one of said ends defining a dispense opening; b. an adhesive or sealant composition within said container, said composition comprising: (i) at least one flowable polymerizable compound; and (ii) about 2.5 to about 20% by weight of the total composition of a polymeric matrix selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyacrylamides, polyimides, polyhydroxyalkylacrylates, urea-urethanes, hydroxy or amine-modified aliphatic hydrocarbons, polyester-amide-based rheological additives and combinations thereof, and present in an amount sufficient to render said composition non-flowable at temperatures up to about 180° F. (82° C.) and wherein said composition is dispensable at room temperature without application of heat.
 17. The composition of claim 16, wherein said composition remains non-flowable at temperatures of about 160° F. (71° C.).
 18. An adhesive composition in non-flowable form at room temperature comprising: b. at least one polymerizable monomer, and b. about 2.5 to about 20% by weight of the total composition a polymeric matrix selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyacrylamides, polyimides, polyhydroxyalkylacrylates, urea-urethanes, hydroxy or amine-modified aliphatic hydrocarbons, polyester-amide-based rheological additives and combinations thereof, wherein the adhesive composition remains non-flowable at temperature of about 160° F. (71° C.), yet is dispensable at room temperature. 